Factors to Consider When Purchasing A Home
Buying a Residential Property
Making a decision to buy residential property will probably be one of the most exciting and sometimes, often daunting decisions of your life. There are many factors to consider and below are some of the issues that you may not have thought of.
Termites
The Gold Coast and Brisbane is located in a Very High Risk area, as illustrated by the map supplied below. Homes in these areas are at higher risk of being attacked by termites due to the high mean temperature experienced through winter and high rainfalls. Nests need to be maintained at a temperature between 25°C – 36°C. Basically, the cooler it gets, fewer the termites. That is why Tasmania and New Zealand are termite free. A Pre Purchase Building and Pest Inspection is essential when purchasing property in these areas.
Flooding
Queensland is Australia’s most disaster prone state and the Gold Coast and Brisbane has its fair share of natural disasters. Being prepared can help safeguard your family, pets and property against severe storms, cyclones, floods and bushfires.
BE SURE TO RESEARCH LOCAL COUNCIL FLOOD MAPS BEFORE PURCHASING YOUR PROPERTY.
Fires
Bush fires can travel very fast so it’s a good idea to look at the vegetation in the surrounding area and see if your potential property is safe or not.
Topography of Land
Buying a house on a hill or slope usually poses significant problems to that of a residential house situated on a flat site. The main issue is surface water runoff. Be sure to check for any surface water runoff areas that may pool against the dwelling and that adequate drainage ports are installed.
Foundation Materials and Reactive Soils
Many parts of the Gold Coast and Brisbane have excessive reactive clay soils. These types of soil have a potential to cause ground movement and subsequent movement may be expected causing subsidence and cracking to the building.
The Neighbours
Visit the property at different times during the day and night and on different days to see who the neighbours are. Check the council bylaws to find out what’s permitted and what is not. Check zoning conditions as with rapidly expanding areas zoning conditions are changing and you would not like to have a large unit development pop up across the road from your new home.